5 things to watch as Jets face Panthers in Week 7 of 2025 NFL season

The Jets returned from London still winless, after coming close to upsetting the Denver Broncos but falling short in a 13-11 defeat.

The performance was characterized by their offensive struggles, but it was also New York's best defensive effort of the year to keep them in contention right until the end.

Let's review the storylines to watch as the Jets try to get into the win column against the 3-3 Carolina Panthers...

Are the Jets planning to trade anyone?

The trade deadline is fast approaching, and Gang Green's 0-6 start has everyone speculating over whether they will trade assets to try and acquire draft capital and save money for what needs to be a significant rebuilding process in the offseason.

During the game, this could have an impact in two ways. We could see some players start to be phased out of the gameplan with their potential replacements getting more of a chance to prove what they can do. Alternatively, they might look to put potential trade assets in a position to make more plays so they can boost their value in the shop window.

Breece Hall, Jermaine Johnson, Allen Lazard, and Michael Carter II are all players who have been speculated about.

Will Jarvis Brownlee continue to play a big role?

Brownleefilled in for Carter in the London game and made an instant impact by forcing the Jets' first turnover of the season on the third play. However, there was much more to his performance than just that one play, as he was flying around making plays all over the place.

Carter returned to practice this week, although he still has to clear concussion protocol. However, it doesn't seem fair for Carter, who has had a poor start to the season, to reclaim his role and relegate Brownlee to being a backup.

Brownlee can also play outside, but Brandon Stephens has quietly been playing well after a slow start, so benching him now seems counterproductive, too.

How long will Justin Fields' leash be?

Fields had a rough time in London with the Jets ending up with minus-10 passing yards after he was sacked nine times. It's clear to everyone, including Fields, that he needs to be more decisive and prepared to take more risks.

Head coach Aaron Glenn didn't want to talk about the possibility of benching Fields, but if he gets off to another bad start, turning to Tyrod Taylor has to be a consideration.

Further complicating matters is the status of wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who could miss time with a hyper-extended knee -- so the Jets may also need other pass catchers to step up.

Can the Jets' defense carry some momentum into this game?

Having struggled early in the season, the Jets' defense was excellent in London, especially after the first quarter. With Johnson returning and Brownlee added into the mix, the defense put together an effort that would have been good enough to win most games, only to be let down by the offense.

New York needs to follow it up with a strong performance against Bryce Young and the Panthers. Young's overall numbers are better than last season, but only slightly, and he's had under 200 passing yards in five of their six games. Running back Rico Dowdle is a good weapon, though, as he is currently on course for a thousand-yard season.

Who will win the turnover battle?

The Jets finally ended the streak and forced their first turnover of the season on Sunday.

They are facing a Panthers team that has turned the ball over at least once in every game but one. That one game was a blowout loss.

On the other side of the ball, the Panthers are dealing with a turnover drought of their own, as they haven't forced one since Week 3.

As noted, Fields is aware that he needs to take more chances, but the downside of this is that it could lead to more turnovers from him. However, Fields -- who hasn't thrown an interception yet this season -- must realize that 82 yards of total offense like the Jets had in London isn't likely to win you any games, so you have to take a chance now and then.